Eastern Australian Underground Orchid - profile

Indicative distribution

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Key:

known

predicted

The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas.
( click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.

Description

An orchid with a whitish, fleshy underground stem to 15 cm long and 15 mm diameter. The flowering heads mature below the soil surface or may extend to 2 cm above the ground. Each flower head has up to 30, tubular, purplish flowers.

Distribution

Occurs from south-east Queensland to south-east NSW. In NSW, currently known from fewer than 10 locations, including near Bulahdelah, the Watagan Mountains, the Blue Mountains, Wiseman's Ferry area, Agnes Banks and near Nowra.

Habitat and ecology

Habitat requirements are poorly understood and no particular vegetation type has been associated with the species, although it is known to occur in sclerophyll forest.

Highly cryptic given that it grows almost completely below the soil surface, with flowers being the only part of the plant that can occur above ground. Therefore usually located only when the soil is disturbed.

Flowers September to November.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

Threats

Habitat loss due to clearing.

Given extremely small population sizes, likely to be threatened by local extinction due to environmental and demographic uncertainty.

Illegal orchid collectors

Unplanned fires. Tall eucalypt forest mainly consisting of Blackbutt. Until recently last major fire in the 50s. RFS wants to fire it every 5 years. Reproductive potential reduced by fire, seed capsules retained from 12mnths+ of year.

Bandicoot is the main vector for seeds. Fox baiting is required to reduce impact on vector this is part of the management plan

Potential for disturbance due to highway upgrades and or roadside maintenance activities

Lack of distributional information

Recovery strategies

A targeted strategy for managing this species has been developed under the Saving Our Species program; click here for details. For more information on the Saving Our Species program click here